Friday Notes from Guilford County Schools

January 11, 2008

Our Vision, Mission/Thematic Goals and Core Values

Our vision – what we will become, Our mission/thematic goals- how we will get there -- Our
core values - what we believe -- solidify the underlying foundation for all Guilford County Schools’ decisions and actions.

Pre-kindergarten Age of Eligibility for 2008-09

John R. Pruette, NC Department of Public Instruction’s Executive Director of the Office of School Readiness, reminds us that effective with the start of the 2009-10 school year, House Bill 150 requires that a child presented for enrollment to kindergarten must be five years of age on or before August 31 of that school year. House Bill 1473 requires that a child being served in the More at Four program be “eligible to enter kindergarten the next school year.”

To ensure all children served in the 2008-09 More at Four program are eligible to enter kindergarten the next year, it is necessary to adjust the pre-kindergarten age of eligibility to four years of age on or before August 31, effective 2008-09, one year prior to the kindergarten age eligibility adjustment.

Immediate Impact:

• Because those children having a fifth birthday between September 1 and October 16 of 2008 will remain eligible for and enroll in kindergarten for the 2008-09 school year, there will be a smaller cohort of age eligible children for the More at Four program in that year
• Title I preschool programs also serve children the year prior to kindergarten and will adjust the age of eligibility to four years of age on or before August 31 for 2008-09 as well
• The eligibility age for Exceptional Children Preschool will remain the same (on the child’s third birthday)
• Eligibility for Even Start will remain the same, determined by the parent’s education level.  All non-school-aged children of Even Start eligible parents will be served in a high quality early care and education setting regardless of age

For more information, please contact Dr. Don Hare, Executive Director of Federal and Special Programs, at 370-2375. 

GCS Magnet Mondays

Parents and guardians are invited to attend GCS Magnet Monday sessions during the school day to learn about magnet schools and high school options. Sessions will last at least 30 minutes and will include a campus tour and a question-and-answer session.  Please note that schools may also host visits and tours on other dates in addition to the three Magnet Mondays listed below.

Magnet Monday dates are: February 11, 18 and March 3. Times and locations may vary.

Parents and guardians should contact specific schools for additional dates and times.  More information will be made available about Magnet Mondays and other opportunities to learn about magnet schools and high school options in the coming months.

For more information, please contact Tony Burks, Director of Magnet and Choice Schools, at 378-8832 or go to www.gcsnc.com/magnet

Congressman Howard Coble Visits Kernodle Middle School

On Wednesday, January 9, Congressman Howard Coble from the sixth Congressional District visited Kernodle Middle. The welcoming committee included sixth grade students: Kendall Mann, Hampton Billips, Jessica Murray and Elizabeth Ward.  The students created cards with questions on them which Congressman Coble used to open his comments.  He shared information about his job as a Congressman and how he works to get bills passed. Some of his responses delighted the teachers, because he talked about them and the need for recognition of people who influence students’ lives such as teachers, parents, school custodians and coaches.  The students seemed to especially like the Congressman’s explanation about how much he enjoys his job, except for the occasional times when he meets a dissatisfied constituent.  All enjoyed the unusual example of how a bill could be introduced and made into a law to reduce the school week from five to four days. Kernodle presented Congressman Coble with a Kernodle Cougar Paw and gift certificates to Biscuitville. For more information, please contact Principal Charles Burns at 545-3717 or Jocelyn Becoats, Instructional Improvement Officer, at 370-2311.

Math Teacher is January Employee of the Month

For most students, Geometry classes aren’t the most fun, but in Dr. Acohin Thon’s class, students never know what to expect. Dr. Thon helps students memorize complicated formulas by putting them into songs, raps and dances. He gives individual attention to each and every student, and by making sure they understand the complex subject matter of his class, he reinforces the message that he gives his students: “Failure is not an option.” Because of his energy to educate and creative teaching practices, Dr. Thon was selected as the district’s January Employee of the Month.

As Guilford County Schools’ Employee of the Month, he received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with GCS to execute the employee recognition program. Dr. Thon’s photo will hang at the district’s central offices and at Sam’s Club on Wendover Avenue. Watch for the Employee of the Month on GCSTV 2.

To nominate someone you think goes above and beyond the call of duty, simply click here to submit your nomination form online.  For more information, please contact Lillian M. Govus, Program Administrator -Communications, at 370-8997.

January Volunteer of the Month Makes a Difference at Erwin Montessori

Lifelong learner, volunteer, initiator, researcher and “Jane of all trades” are some of the names attributed to Page Kreager. She is everyone’s hero at Erwin Montessori where she is always behind the scenes making sure the school runs at full capacity. She created and kicked off Erwin’s first book swap to ensure that children have an ongoing free or inexpensive source of reading materials. Additionally, Page is the chairperson of the PTA membership committee, serves in the media center, assists with class projects, field trips, staff appreciation functions, tutors and much more.  She recently started a new lunch program where parents relieve teachers from lunch duty. The teacher who nominated her said Page’s focus is on children. She always asks, “Where in this village can I make a difference for children? ” Because of her devotion to volunteerism and constant support of students, parents and faculty, Page is the January GCS Volunteer of the Month.

As the GCS Volunteer of the Month, Page received a certificate of appreciation from the Board of Education and Superintendent Terry Grier. She also received a $25 gift card from American Express, which has partnered with GCS to execute the volunteer recognition program. Page’s photo will hang on a plaque at the district’s central offices and at her school during the month of January.  Remember to watch for the Volunteer of the Month on GCSTV 2. Click here to nominate a volunteer who you think goes above and beyond the call of duty. For more information, please contact Lynne Brandon, Program Administrator – Communications, at 370-8353.

Montlieu Math and Science Academy Receives High Point Community Foundation Grant

Montlieu Math and Science Academy Principal Folice Bailey was invited by the High Point Community Foundation to a luncheon at the High Point Country Club. The purpose of the luncheon was to recognize Montlieu and other grant recipients. Due to the generosity of the committee serving the High Point Community Foundation, the school’s grant proposal was fully funded. Montlieu was presented a check in the amount of $9,600 which will be used to purchase and refurbish science kits and materials that are research and inquiry-based bringing science and technology into the students’ everyday world. Grant writers were Cathy Matthews, Curriculum Facilitator and Linda Sharp, Reading Specialist. Grant presenters were Principal Folice Bailey, Cathy Matthews and Laura Smith, first grade teachers. For more information, please contact Tony Burks, Director of Magnet Schools, at 378-8832.

Financial Aid Workshop

The Greensboro Public Library is offering a special financial aid workshop on January 19 to assist students and adults with making their dreams of a higher education come true. Guest speakers from the financial aid departments at UNC-Greensboro, GTCC and the public library will come together to share their insights on how to apply for financial assistance.  The program will be held at the Central Library from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Nussbaum meeting room.  Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, please contact Robbie Owens at 373-4552.

Legal Updates for Principals

On January 10, Board attorney Jill Wilson met with more than 60 principals and other administrators to discuss the topics of “Distribution of Materials to Outside Groups and Speech & Organizational Issues.” She has been holding monthly sessions to keep administrators up to date and provide “rust removal” for our veterans on a variety of legal topics. Other sessions have included investigations, sexual harassment and evaluations. We appreciate Ms. Wilson’s expertise and look forward to her future sessions. For more information, please contact Carla Alphin, Program Administrator for Employee Relations, at 378-8821.

GCSTV2

Coming Up!

GCSTV 2 viewers now have a convenient electronic guide to daily programs. Turn to GCSTV 2 to find the times of programs on the hour throughout the day and evening. Check out our new GCSTV 2 Program Guide!   

Teacher Supply Warehouse Opens

The district’s Teacher Supply Warehouse is now open providing traditional school supplies and more to teachers at Title 1 schools. Through the generosity of contributions from businesses and individuals, GCS has a more efficient way to link donated school supplies to the children who need them. The goal is to open the warehouse to more schools as donations increase. This program airs Friday through Monday at 9:30 a.m.      

Education Matters

The significance of an education in our society is undeniable. That is why support for our schools is so important. This presentation outlines how GCS schools are funded relative to other districts in the state and how important it is to understand the educational issues we face. This program airs Friday through Monday at 8:44 p.m. 

Tus Hijos y Guilford County Schools

Join host Karin Young for this latest edition of our program that addresses the issues important to our newest students. This edition of Tus Hijos y GCS (Your Children and Guilford County Schools) highlights how parents and students alike can get involved with their schools.  The program is broadcast in Spanish and English daily at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

GCS/ABC 45 Partnership Continues

GCS continues its partnership with ABC 45 television to share the current news and feature stories about our district. The segments run on ABC 45 (Cable Channel 7) during “Good Morning America” each Wednesday and Friday at 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. Also, learn more about GCS by tuning in to GCSTV 2 (Cable Channel 2).

The New Northern Elementary
Getting a new school up and running is no small task. Get a peek into how one of GCS’ newest schools started the new year. This newsbreak airs Wednesday, January 16.  

Children Helping Children
It has become a tradition at Lindley Elementary. Pre-K students plan their trip and follow their budget as they walk to a local grocer to buy food for children who may otherwise go without.  This newsbreak airs Friday, January 18.

For more information, please contact Leonard Simpson, Broadcast Production Manager, at 370-8167.

NON-GCS EDUCATIONAL NEWS

National Youth Science Camp® Honors High School Seniors

High school seniors interested in exchanging ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds may want to consider applying for one of two full scholarships to attend the National Youth Science Camp®. The camp will be held in Bartow, W.Va., from June 29 - July 26. Applications are due Feb. 18.  To read more, please go to the NCDPI Web site at www.ncpublicschools.org and click on the appropriate link under “news.”

American Star of Teaching Call for Nominations

The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is now accepting nominations for its 2008 American Stars of Teaching.  Parents, students, colleagues, school administrators and others can nominate an exemplary teacher who they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching. To nominate a teacher, please go online to www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/index.html. Nominations must be received by March 31.

Freida J. Riley Teacher Award Call for Nominations

The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, in cooperation with the YWCA of Harrison County, Va., is now accepting nominations for the 2008 $10,000 Freida J. Riley Teacher Award. The award honors an American teacher who works with a physical disability, teachers in an especially challenging educational environment or has performed a heroic act by making an exceptional, personal or physical sacrifice on behalf of students. Additional information, including nomination forms and official rules and guidelines, is available online at www.columbusfdn.org/freidajriley/default.asp. All nomination materials must be received in the Foundation office at 110 Genesee Street, Suite 390, Auburn, New York 13021 no later than Monday, February 4.

Informative Assessment: The Best Value in Formative Assessment

Many schools and districts administer tests with names like benchmark, short-cycle and interim assessments to predict student performance on high-stakes tests and to identify students needing additional help. This increasingly popular level of testing has contributed to the widening scope of what is called formative assessment. Due to the many varying definitions and views of formative assessment, practices labeled as formative assessment in schools today vary widely. To reduce confusion among educators about what formative assessment is, an article in the latest "Educational Leadership" examines the difference between summative and formative assessment. Click here to read more.

Expel Students? CMS Seeks Solution

Six more Charlotte-Mecklenburg students may face expulsion next month, part of Superintendent Peter Gorman's push to improve school safety.  If the school board approves, that would mean 18 students expelled since August -- the first expulsions in recent memory. The tougher stance has brought a mixed reaction, with some urging Gorman to remove even more trouble-makers and others arguing expulsions sentence students to a bleak future. Click here to read more.

How To Use Students' Diverse Cultural Backgrounds to Enhance Academic Achievement

Part of students' background knowledge is the diverse cultural experiences that they bring to the classroom every day. Educators can connect to those experiences and understand their influences on achievement. The new ASCD video, "How To Use Students' Diverse Cultural Backgrounds," explores ways to use personal stories, writing projects and classroom activities to get to know students and their prior knowledge of subject material. Click here to read more.